'I have sought, not to 'defend' Origen, but to simply know what he thought and said,' states renowned Catholic theologian Henri de Lubac in the introduction to his superb study of Origen's biblical exegesis. Cutting through a deep-rooted general prejudice against Origen (185-c. 254), de Lubac dispels the notion that this influential theologian's writings were flawed by an exaggerated, even 'mad,' allegorism. With painstaking precision and thorough documentation, the author traces Origen's efforts to interpret Scripture in both the literal and spiritual senses. Origen's view that the Bible (and salvation history itself) is full of mystery 'is not affirmed to the detriment of its historical character. The spirit does not wish to harm the letter.' As a pioneer in the twentieth century Catholic rediscovery of patristics, de Lubac presents us with the invaluable opportunity to rediscover Origen on his own terms, and, along the way, to arrive at a more profound understanding of the ways in which Christ speaks to us through Scripture. 507 pp.